IPOB: Senate to meet security chiefs

Senate President Bukola Saraki at the National Assembly PHOTO: TWITTER/NIGERIAN SENATE

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the Senate would meet with security chiefs to chart a path for resolution of contentious issues engendering tension in the South-East.

He said that the meeting, expected to hold shortly, would address the tension in the South-East and the skirmishes in Plateau.

Saraki said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that security agencies, political and religious leaders must work for the promotion of dialogue as means for tackling agitations, to ensure peace in the country.

In the statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, he urged all Nigerians to maintain peace and avoid statements or actions capable of aggravating the tension in parts of the country.

The president of the senate said that the crises in the country were not unconnected to the economic challenges being faced by citizens. “The tension in some parts of the country has its roots substantially in the economic situation.

“The nation should be assured that some of the legislative and executive actions taken to address the economic problems are beginning to yield fruits. “This is why we recently witnessed the rebound of the economy and the exit of the country from recession,” he said.

He called for calm among the people, especially in the South-East and Plateau, saying that the government required the cooperation of everyone in solving all problems.

“I want to appeal to our people to avoid stoking ethnic or religious fires. We should not deepen the fault lines of our nation and place citizens in danger of violence and sustained crises.

“The government requires the support of all Nigerians and we should please give peace a chance. No real development or genuine economic activity can take place in the midst of crisis or tension.

“Investments and development thrive only where there is peace,” Saraki said.

He advised political, community and religious leaders to take actions that would douse the tension and reassure the people that the best way was for us to live together in peace and harmony.

“All leaders at this point must canvass support for government and preach peace, love and harmony. “Once again, I plead with our people to avoid taking laws into their hands or antagonizing our neighbours,” he added.